Duke Basketball: Latest on 2023 NBA Draft decisions and transfer portal rumors
Could Duke Basketball potentially land DaRon Holmes?
The Blue Devils are potentially in the mix for a center, based on what happens with Lively. Besides the reported contact, there was an online rumor concerning a current big man in the Atlantic 10 in DaRon Holmes.
With Dayton's departures all but settled and NBA Draft deadline still weeks away (April 13th) - the chatter of Daron Holmes making a move to Duke is picking up real steam, although far from confirmed.
— Sully (@sullymygoodname) March 28, 2023
It’s simply speculation but if Duke is in the market for a big man, there aren’t many better than the sophomore starter for Dayton. Holmes, a former top-50 prospect out of high school, is coming off averaging a team-high 18.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, and 1.9 blocks per game. He’s a multi-time A-10 player and on the all-defensive team as well as an elite interior defender.
The Flyers missed the NCAA Tournament this past season and there was potential that head coach Anthony Grant could retire. That isn’t the case but the allure of going from the A-10 to one of the biggest names in college basketball is there. Holmes could get NIL benefits and play on a national stage to help upgrade his profile.
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Ultimately, what happens with Lively will determine if there’s anything to this. If he comes back, Duke Basketball doesn’t need a center. If he goes pro, look for the team to try and find a true big man for the next season. And who knows, maybe Holmes, if he ever enters the transfer portal, could be a future option.